Loss of Muscle Mass in Older Age Correlates Strongly with Loss of Nerves

Thanks to Robert VB for sending this article along.

This one below resonated with me, because in January 2018, 3 years after suffering significant nerve damage, I finally felt like my legs wire “firing” again—and I’ve put on muscle mass at the same time and can spin smoothly up to 110 rpm as I could back prior to the nerve damages. And I am much stronger than the last 3 years.

Inevitable muscle wasting of old age could be stopped, scientists believe

The inevitable muscle wasting of old age could be stopped, scientists believe, after discovering why people become frail as they grow older.

Most people become weaker in their later years, as their leg muscles get smaller and less able to bear weight, which often leads to disability and falls. But until now, nobody has known why the process happens or if it can be reversed. However, scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University have discovered that by the age of 75, people have between 30 and 50 per cent fewer nerves controlling the muscles in their legs.

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The scientists also found that the nerves in healthy muscles can send out new branches to rescue muscles which have become detached, and believe that regular exercise could help this branching process.

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“Our findings debunk the assumption that ageing automatically makes us more frail.”

Sounds like the “I’m getting old” excuse should translate as “I’m lazy”.